Nuggets set for McGee's return

Center missed three games with shin injury

DENVER -- Perhaps the most fun thing about Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov getting more playing time is the opportunity to utilize Mozgov monikers.

Such was the case this past week, with JaVale McGee injured. There was Mozzy Mozbourne putting up so many points against the Pacers, he deserved a "Mozel Gov!" There was Ivan Drago, breaking Houston. And there he was against the Hornets, in honor of the series finale of "30 Rock," TinaFey Mozgov.

Alas, McGee is back. McGee missed that trio of games because of a shin injury but returned to practice Sunday. Now he's expected to return to his role as Denver's No. 1 center off the bench.

"I'm still in shape. I was working on the treadmill, so I'm feeling pretty good," McGee said.

Asked what he plans to bring to the court, the high-flying McGee said, "Definitely my defensive presence, and more excitement with the dunks and excitement I bring out there."

McGee has an astounding 21.6 player efficiency rating (15 is an average rating) this season. He is averaging 18.7 minutes, 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots. The Nuggets' next game is Tuesday against Milwaukee.

"He's a 7-footer who can run the court and he protects the paint really well," Andre Iguodala said. "And that lob option. You think, oh, he just catches lobs, but the defense has to put that into (strategy), so it opens it up for other guys. When you drive, they don't know if they can leave JaVale (to help) or need to stay attached to him.

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It makes us more effective and gives us a different dimension with the pick-and-rolls."

Super Sunday

The Nuggets had Saturday off and returned to work Sunday. Coach George Karl missed the practice because he was out of town. "It could have been one of those days when Coach isn't here -- and we have a long break between games -- that we could have (essentially) taken the day off," Iguodala said. "But we came in here and got good work in, worked on defensive plugging, and I think it will help us."

Ty tidbits

Ty Lawson has struggled at the free-throw line this season, shooting 73.7 percent. But in the past four games that he's had at least one free throw, he's shot 87.5 percent. ... He is coming off a double-double (21 points, 13 assists without a turnover) against the Hornets. Denver is 16-4 in his career when he has a double-double. ... Lawson has three games this season in which he tallied double-figure assists without committing a turnover. That's tied for the NBA lead with Jose Calderon.

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